Portrait of a Gentleman with a Wig

The sobriety of both composition and description of surroundings in this expressive image, and the lack of artifice in the sitter’s pose, stand in contrast with the exquisite, decorative character of his dress. The gentleman - his left hand on the pommel of his sword and the other, fist closed, on his hip - is shown standing within an undefined space, although the ample red drape and heavy tassel on the left suggest this is his residence. The figure’s expression is firm and hardly affable, and this is finely rendered by the painter, without a trace of empathy.